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An Invitation To Tea (A Dark Comedy) Part 1

Charles Latimer visited the corner shop run by the Forbes sisters Charlotte and Grace almost every day. He could have collected his groceries in one visit, but the short intercourse of words they exchanged broke the emptiness in his life. As he entered the shop, the tiny bell above the door chimed.

Grace Forbes stood behind the counter. “Good morning Mr Latimer, ” she said. “What would you like today? ”

Good morning, Grace. I’ve written out a small list. My needs are not many as you know.” He replied and smiled.

“I’m surprised you never married. You would have made some lucky woman a wonderful husband.”

Charles Latimer felt his cheeks warm. “Would it be all right to leave the list and pick up my groceries later? ”

“Of course. Why, have you got a date with someone? ”

“In a manner of speaking. I feed the pigeons in the park every morning about this time. I must be going now.”

“We’ll have your groceries ready by the time you get back.”

“Thank you, ” he said, turned, and left.

Grace watched him leave. A sad unpretentious man whose clothes always seemed a size too large.

“Grace who were you talking to? ” Her sister asked entering the shop.

“Our Mr. Latimer, Charlotte. He has left a list.”

“It is a shame he never married.”

“Yes. He wasn’t fortunate to be blessed with a brother or sister neither. Such a same.”

“Maybe we should introduce him to Mr Potter.”

“I don’t think so. Not after the trouble we had with him after Mr Armad’s visit.”

“That is because he wasn’t English. Mr Potter doesn’t like foreigners. He found Mr Small and Mr Cummings quite agreeable, didn’t he? ”

“Yes.”

“He is bound to like Mr Latimer.” Charlotte smiled. “Now we must put up his groceries for him.”

To be continued…

poem by David Harris
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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An Invitation To Tea (A Dark Comedy) Part 2

(It is advisable you read part 1 first)

Charles Latimer broke up the slices of bread he brought and scattered them across the path. “You’ll never guess what Grace Forbes said to me this morning. She said that I would have made some lucky woman a wonderful husband. Of course, she doesn’t really know me. I mean, if she did she wouldn’t have said that, now would she? ”

The pigeons didn’t reply. They just moved about from one piece of bread to another and chasing off any sparrow who tried to snatch up a crumb.

“Of course she is a lovely woman her. I am surprised that she never married. There was talk that she was engaged once. It’s said that the chap ran off with her best friend, but at least she has her sister to keep her company.” His voice lowered to almost a whisper when he noticed someone coming.

Removing another couple of slices of bread from the bag, he broke them up. He scattered the pieces in a semi-circled at his feet. Several more birds landed. Squabbles broke out.

“Its all right fellows I have more bread, “he said and broke up another slice. “ Now where was I? Oh, yes. I was telling you about Grace and her sister. They are so lucky to have each other. Myself I was an only child. It can be lonely at times when your parents are gone. Of course you wouldn’t understand that.”

The pigeons moved about picking at the bread always watchful for a larger another might have. Several sparrows swooped in picked up a pieces and then flew off. Charles watched them scattering more bread until the bag was empty. Slowly the last pieces disappeared and the birds left.

Glancing at his watch Charles noticed it was nearly twelve. He must pick up his shopping and go home. He folded the bag he carried the bread in and slipped it into his pocket. He moved out of the park and towards the corner shop. The tiny doorbell chimed s he entered.

Grace smiled and lifted a brown paper bag onto the counter. “Your groceries Mr Latimer. How were the pigeons today? ”

“Their usual self. They can be bullies at times especially where the sparrows are concerned.” he replied. “How much do owe you? ”

“That will be five pounds and sixteen pence. I am sorry it’s so much, but everything goes up almost daily.”

“I know. It is dreadful.” He said opening his wallet and playing her.

“Mr Latimer, Charlotte and I were wondering.”
“What is that Grace? ”

“If you would do us the honour of coming around for tea one evening. As you live, alone you might like some company. Or dear Mr Potter would love to meet you.”
“Mr Potter? I thought you and Charlotte lived on your own.”
“Mr Potter was a friend of our late Aunt. That is the only reason why we agreed to have him here“
“Oh, I don‘t know.”
Grace put on he most disarming smile. “You know we would dearly love you to come.”
“Well, yes.”
“Good we will see you this evening. Let us say about six o’clock. How is that? ”
Charles forces small smile. “Yes I guess that would be all right..”
“We will see you at six then.”

To Be Concluded

poem by David Harris
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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An Invitation To Tea (A Dark Comedy) Part 3

(It is advisable you read parts 1 and 2 first)

Grace watched him for a few minutes, and then moved to the back of the shop. “He is going to come around at six tonight. I do hop Mr Potter like him.”

“I’m sure he will. Grace.”

“I can’t help feeling bit concerned after Mr Armad.”

“It was the curry Mr Armad insisted on making. Revolting stuff. I felt queasy as Mr Potter afterwards. Anyway Mr Potter always prefers Englishmen, even when Aunty had him staying with her.”

Charles checked his watch, and then knocked the door. The lights appeared in the shop and the silhouette of one of the sisters grew large in the glass panel of the door. Charlotte smiled.

“Do come in Mr Latimer.”

Charles entered and followed Charlotte through to the back of the shop. As they entered the room, Grace turned from the oven with a tray of freshly baked scones. She smiled.

“Please have a seat, Mr Latimer. Tea is ready.”

“Call me Charles, Mr Latimer seems so formal.” he replied as he sat where Charlotte directed. “I hope you don’t mind me asking but where is Mr Potter going to sit? ”

“Unfortunately, Mr Potter prefers to eat alone. You will meet him later. I have told him you are coming and h I looking forward to meeting you.” Grace replied and brought forward the tray if scones. “Please help yourself Charles.”

Charles waited until the sisters were seated before starting.

“I think these are your best scones, Grace.”

“Thank you Charlotte.”

“I will second that. These are best scones I’ve ever tasted. I hope that Mr Potter will appreciate them.”

“I’m sure he will.” Grace replied and watched with satisfaction as the scones disappeared from the plate.

“Another cup of tea Charles? ” Charlotte asked holding the teapot poised.
“Thank you.”
As Charlotte poured out the tea, Grace collected the dishes from the table. “While Charlotte and I do the washing up you sit and enjoy your tea.”
“What about Mr Potter? ”
“We’ll collect his dishes later.”
“Charles drank his tea slowly. He wondered how he could thank the two women. He would have to think of a way later.
Grace and Charlotte smiled and nodded to one another. Mr Potter would enjoy Charles. They dried their hands and placed the dishes into the cupboard.
“I see you have almost drunk your tea. I presume you would like to see Mr Potter now? ”
“Yes please.”
“If you will follow us.”
Charles followed the sisters out of the room and into the garden.
“Unfortunately we have only one pair of stairs leading to the basement.”
“Basement? ”
“Yes, Mr Potter is not one for coming into the house. He is a bit eccentric.”
“Oh.”
2Grace dear, would you put the light on? You will have to watch the bottom step Charles. It can be a bit slippery at times.”
“Aren’t you ladies coming down? ”
“No. Mr Potter does not like women that much. “She said and smiled. “I will close the door behind you.”
Charles descended the stairs. A peculiar stench rose around him. Just as he put his foot on the bottom step, it tilted and he fell forward.
Charlotte heard the splash followed by the thrashing of water. She closed the storm door and called to Grace to switch the light off. Grace joined her there a few moments later.
“How did Mr Potter greet Charles? ”
“His usually noisy self. I do not understand why crocodiles have to make so much noise when they eat. At least with Charles he won’t get indigestion”

8-9 September 1987

poem by David Harris
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Groceries

Once again, here in the grocery store line
All the stuff in the basket, is going to be mine
Can I afford this, or should I put it back?
Should I stock up, or carry out a small sack?
I know there are many mouths to feed
Do I buy much, or just what I need?
Sell the horse, and mortgage the farm
Got to buy groceries, sound the alarm
Why does food have to cost so much cash?
Why do groceries have to be my stash?
Here today and gone tomorrow
Fridge left empty, so much sorrow!

poem by Donna Nimmo
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Awaited Visit

A True Story;
As experienced and written by Ron Tranmer

I decided to go to a rest home
to see an old friend one day.
I stopped to speak to a lady
who I noticed was looking my way.

She was happy that I came over.
There was something she wanted to say.
She smiled and said from her wheelchair,
"My boy will come visit today."

It's been quite a while since I've seen him,
He's always quite busy you know…
He doesn't live too far from here,
And he knows that I love him so.

Each morning as I rise from bed
My prayer is the same as I say,
Father In Heaven, I ask but one thing,
That my boy will come visit today.

He was always such a good boy.
And the only child we had.
He was only 10 years old
When I lost my husband…his dad.

He married soon after college.
And got a great job with good pay
He calls me at times on the telephone,
But I know he'll come visit today.

I'm lonely here in the rest home.
How I long for my son to come by.
They tell me my health is now failing,
But he'll visit before I must die."

I leaned over and gave her a hug
And the tears on my cheeks wiped away.
She smiled and said, there's no need to cry,
My boy will come visit today."

poem by Ron Tranmer
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Still Smiling........

Smiled When Mother Took Me Into Her Arms For The First Time,
Smiled When Saw World Outside The Hospital For The First Time,
Smiled Whenever Went To School,
Smiled Even Being Laughed At....
And Called A Fool....
Smiled When Stood First In The Class,
Smiled When I Wasn't Misunderstood..... At Last!
Smiled When My Poem Was Said Wow!
Smiled When Realised That Only Day Is Today....
And Time Is Now......
Smiled When Got My 'True' Love,
Smiled As I Always Felt We Are Two Doves,
Smiled Even When Came To Know He's Not Mine,
Smiled Even When He Married My Friend.....
And Raised A Toast Of Wine,
Smiled Even When Lost Every Hope,
Smiled Even When Wasn't Able To Cope,
Smiled Even When Knew My End Is Near,
Smiled And Enjoyed Cutting My Nerve.......
No Fear...............
Smiled At Every Moment Of My Life,
Whenever, Wherever And Never Cried.............

But Now, I'm Lying Under A White Cover,
Father Putting Me On Fire.........
With No Blessings Left To Shower.....
People Around Have Nothing To Do With My Death
But Are Crying.........
And I'm............
Still Smiling.................................

poem by Apurva Jain
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Graceful Pillar

Grace has a pillar of obvious concentration,
Of stone it is built, of a soul and mind it stored.
Grace may live among houses
Where the pier of gratitude is,
Everywhere goes the sea of thankful grace.

Grace has a stationary title of sun and star,
Of goggles the eyes of grace do speak,
Hated is a craving for height, of weight, of general size.
Grace may be open like a shop,
Or the pier of handsome repose is taken by waves
To be eroded and expelled from the land and sea.

poem by Naveed Akram
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Rent, Groceries And Gasoline

I used to live the luxury life
A new house, three cars to drive
Steppin' over the credit line
I was payin' a heavy price
It seemed more was never enough
So I called my creditor up
Said "All I need is that cadillac car,
I'm heading for a brand new start"
I was in way to deep
Straightened out my priorities
I'm a man of simple needs
Just rent, groceries, and gasoline
I got a trailer sturdy and cheap
Hot time, job work when I please
Goin' to Mexico next week
Gotta feel that ocean breeze
I might settle down sometime
Right now, it ain't on my mind
Got a pretty girl along for the ride
She's the adventurous kind
I got everything I need
Straightend out my priorities
I'm a man of simple means
Just rent, groceries, and gasoline
Got a full tank and some food to go
Check the map and we'll hit the road
In the flicker of the dashboard lights
I feel my life unwind
I got everything I need
Straightend out my priorities
I'm a man of simple means
Just rent, groceries, and gasoline
Rent, groceries, and gasoline
I need rent, groceries, and gasoline
Just give me rent, groceries, and gasoline
And I'm outta here!

song performed by by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Rent, Groceries, & Gasoline

I used to live the luxury life
A new house, three cars to drive
Steppin over the credit line
I was payin a heavy price
It seemed more was never enough
So I called my creditor up
Said all I need is that cadillac car,
Im heading for a brand new start
I was in way to deep
Straightened out my priorities
Im a man of simple needs
Just rent, groceries, and gasoline
I got a trailer sturdy and cheap
Hot time, job work when I please
Goin to mexico next week
Gotta feel that ocean breeze
I might settle down sometime
Right now, it aint on my mind
Got a pretty girl along for the ride
Shes the adventurous kind
I got everything I need
Straightend out my priorities
Im a man of simple means
Just rent, groceries, and gasoline
Got a full tank and some food to go
Check the map and well hit the road
In the flicker of the dashboard lights
I feel my life unwind
I got everything I need
Straightend out my priorities
Im a man of simple means
Just rent, groceries, and gasoline
Rent, groceries, and gasoline
I need rent, groceries, and gasoline
Just give me rent, groceries, and gasoline
And Im outta here!

song performed by by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The drop of rain maketh a hole in the stone, not by violence, but by oft falling.

quote by Hugh Latimer
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
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Grits Aint Groceries

If I dont love you baby,
Grits aint groceries,
Eggs aint poultry,
And mona lisa was a man.
All around the world
Id rather be a fly
And light on my babys head,
Ill stay with that
Woman til I die.
A toothpick in my hand,
I dig a 10-foot ditch
And ride through the jungle
Fightin lions with a switch,
Because ya know I love ya baby,
Well, you know I love you baby,
And if I dont love you baby,
Grits aint groceries,
Eggs aint poultry,
And mona lisa must-a been a man.
Well, its all around the world and I got
Blisters on my feet
A-tryin to find my baby,
A-bring her back to me.
If you see my baby,
I know shell be convinced.
If it dont send her back to me,
It just
Dont make no sense,
Because ya know I love ya baby,
Well, you know I love you baby.
If I dont love you baby,
Grits aint groceries and eggs aint poultry,
And mona lisa must-a been a man.
Well,
All around the world
I never will forget
I lost all my money, my woman and my pet,
But I got to have you baby,
I got to settle for nothin less,
Give up all my good time for the sake of happiness,
Because ya know I love ya baby,
You know,
You know I love you baby.
If I dont love you baby,
Grits aint groceries,
Eggs aint poultry,
And mona lisa must-a been a man.
I said, if I dont love you baby,
Grits aint groceries,
Eggs aint poultry,
And mona lisa must-a
Mona lisa must-a been a man.
Well,
If I dont love ya baby,
If
I dont love you baby,
If I dont love you baby,
Grits aint groceries,
And eggs aint poultry,
And mona lisa must-a been a man.
Mona lisa must-a been a man.

song performed by by Van Morrison
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Dead

I returned a bag of groceries
Accidently taken off the shelf
Before the expiration date
I came back as a bag of groceries
Accidently taken off the shelf
Before the date stamped on myself
Did a large procession wave their (did a)
Torches as my head fell in the basket, (large pro-)
And was everybody dancing on the casket? (cession dance? )
Now its over Im dead and I havent done anything that I want (now its over)
Or, Im still alive and theres nothing I want to do
I will never say the word
Procrastinate again; Ill never
See myself in the mirror with my eyes closed
I didnt apologize for
When I was eight and I made my younger brother
Have to be my personal slave
Did a large procession wave their (did a)
Torches as my head fell in the basket, (large pro-)
And was everybody dancing on the casket? (cession dance? )
Now its over Im dead and I havent done anything that I want (now its over)
Or, Im still alive and theres nothing I want to do
(so) so I wont
(sit) sit at home
(and) anymore
(and) and you wont
(and) see my head in
(and) the window
(and) and I wont
(and) be around
(and) ever anymore
(and) and Ill be up there on the wall at the store
I returned a bag of groceries
Accidently taken off the shelf
Before the expiration date
I came back as a bag of groceries
Accidently taken off the shelf
Before the date stamped on myself
Did a large procession wave their (did a)
Torches as my head fell in the basket, (large pro-)
And was everybody dancing on the casket? (cession dance? )
Now its over Im dead and I havent done anything that I want (now its over)
Or, Im still alive and theres nothing I want to do
Now its over Im dead and I havent done anything that I want (now its over)
Or, Im still alive and theres nothing I want to do

song performed by by They Might Be Giants
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The utter helplessness of a conquered people is perhaps the most tragic feature of a civil war or any other sort of war.

quote by Rebecca Latimer Felton
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Grave who was my great grand ma

She was good woman she bring
us grace to the family
She was great friend and mom and sister
and great grand ma
She bought everyone in the family Grace
Grace was strong woman and nice and kind
and loving and caring and sweet
When she came in to our life she was
great in our life
She love me and everyone else when she
and ma say both love me
It was like Grace she bought me was in
my heart and soul
Grace was good woman and good person
who went to church
God needed my great grand ma to have things of
Grace be bring up their to everyone else like she
did here
God bought a good person in this world and to everyone
hearts Grace is my family and friend
Grace was strong and she was leader all of the family
She was great leader and good friend and family and
she was love and everyone will miss her and wish she
was still here with us
But Grace is with us and she live in us she a hero just
like my aunt is
We love Grace and my aunt and great grand pa and we
always will love these three strong people.

poem by Kristina Riggs
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The Best Smile

It was a portrait
Of six feet height
Full size Lady Grace,
Minus lips on her face.

With all his skill
The artist failed still,
To give her a smile,
Free from any style.

He scanned every mile,
For that unseen smile,
One lovely to admire,
Forever, the world over.

Smiles, smiles every where,
But not a smile there,
New, true and plain,
His lady should own.

His wife smiled.
His girl smiled.
His servant smiled.
His boss smiled.

The milkmaid smiled.
The cartman smiled.
The beggar smiled.
The neighbour smiled.

The dandy smiled.
The waiter smiled.
The grocer smiled.
The councilor smiled.

He saw an ambitious smile,
Not an aesthetic smile,
And a cunning smile,
Not a winning smile.

He saw a dubious smile,
Not a divine smile,
And a greedy smile,
Not a graceful smile.

He saw a mischievous smile,
Not a magnanimous smile,
And a voluptuous smile,
Not a virtuous smile.

Smiles, with strings, he found,
Wherever he went round,
But not the best one,
The Lady Grace won.

The smile, the best,
He found at last,
From his own child,
Rocking in the cradle.

Now the Lady Grace smiled.
Thanks to the child.
The portrait was acclaimed,
The best of its kind.

(Longest word in English is 'Smiles'
Because there is a mile between 'S' and 'S')

poem by Rajaram Ramachandran
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Grace

Grace
She takes the blame
She covers the shame
Removes the stain
It could be her name

Grace
It's a name for a girl
It's also a thought that
Changed the world

And when she walks on the street
You can hear the strings
Grace finds goodness
In everything

Grace
She's got the walk
Not on a ramp or on chalk
She's got the time to talk

She travels outside
Of karma

song performed by by U2 from All that you can't leave behind
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Bombed Out Butcher's Shop.

On the third day
of the holidays
you met Janice

half way up Bath Terrace
at the entrance to the flats
where she lived with her gran

she was dressed in her red beret
yellow flowered cotton dress
white socks and brown sandals

she smiled when she saw you
and said
feared you might not show

I told you I'd be here
you said
she looked at you

and said
I know
but some people say things

but don't show
I'm not some people
if I say I'll be here

I'll be here
you said
glad you're here

she said
Gran doesn't like me
going out alone

she says there are strange men
out there who take kids off
and do things to them

and murder them
yes
you said

I read about that boy
they found murdered
near here

she looked concerned
don't worry
you're with me

my mum told me
where to kick them
if they try anything on

oh
Janice said as you both
walked up to the top

of the terrace
to Harper Road
where're we going?

she asked
a bombed out
butcher's shop

you replied
isn't that dangerous?
she asked

not if we're careful
where we tread
you said

isn't that breaking
and entering?
she asked

no we don't break in
you said
we walk in

the back gate
it's not locked
oh

she said
looking concerned
we won't get into trouble

will we? Gran said
she'd tan my backside
if I got into trouble

would I get you into trouble?
you asked
guess not

she said softly
you crossed
Harper Road

and went round the back
of the bombed out
butcher's shop

and opened the gate
and entered
into an empty yard

you shut the gate
after you
and she stood gaping

at the back of the shop
you showed her
the large walk in freezer

where meat had once
been kept
now empty

smelling of piss
and damp
what if you got locked in?

she said
the lock's busted
you said

oh I see
she replied
her eyes large

and her mouth open
in wonder
you took her into

the shop now empty
apart from a large table
with a marble top

where meat
had once been cut
and chopped up

it stinks
she said
yes tramps get in

sometime and shelter
for the night
are they here now?

she asked nervously
no they go off
in the day

you said
giving her
a smile

you took her up
the creaking stairs
to the upper landing

where the sky
shone through the roof
where a bomb

had fallen in
gosh
she said

how weird
one of the rooms
had an old bed frame

pushed in a corner
and the roof
was still there

except where a few tiles
had gone
someone slept there once

she said
and now
they're probably dead

you took her hand
and walked her
to the window

and looked out
on Harper Road
people would have looked out

of this window too
you said
sad isn't it

she said
and you sensed
her lay

on your shoulder
her fair haired
red bereted head.

poem by Terry Collett
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Bronte Legend

They say she was a creature of the moor,
A lover of the angels, silence bound.
She sought no friendships. She was too remote,
Her sister Charlotte found.
I know she nursed her brother till he died,
Although she didn't like him; that she had
Housework and all the ironing to do,
Because her maids were bad.
And in the midst of it she wrote a book.
There could have been small leisure for the moor
Or wandering! She used to mend and sew,
The family was so poor.
Her brother died. But she died just as soon
As she had nursed dear Charlotte through the shock
Of Patrick's death. Contemplative? Well, well!
No Simeon of the Rock!

poem by Lesbia Harford
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Baby Charlotte Song

Baby Charlotte, baby Charlotte
With your eyes big and brown
Your silent slumber so peaceful
You don't make a sound.

Baby Charlotte, baby Charlotte
With your smile so sweet
Your full head of hair
Your tiny, precious feet.

Baby Charlotte, baby Charlotte
With your dimples so deep
Your laughter contagious
Your personality unique.

Baby Charlotte, baby Charlotte
With your expression divine
Your smarter than most
Your namesake is mine.

poem by Gail Godin
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Baby Charlotte Lullabye

Baby Charlotte, Baby Charlotte
With your eyes big and brown
Your silent slumber so peaceful
You don't make a sound

Baby Charlotte, Baby Charlotte
With your smile so sweet
Your full head of hair
Your tiny, precious feet

Baby Charlotte, Baby Charlotte
With your dimples so deep
Your laughter contagious
Your personality unique

Baby Charlotte, Baby Charlotte
With your expressions devine
Your smarter than most
Your namesake is mine.

poem by Gail Godin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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In the spirit of Rumi 57: Grace

But what is grace?

By grace we were as we were.
By grace we are as we are.
By grace we shall be as we will be.

That's grace.

But what is grace?

Grace is what it does.
Catch it as it acts; smiles; passes.
That too is grace.

poem by Michael Shepherd
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